I'm sorry about my mopey and depressed post from last month. Not sure if was the winter blues or what, but I'm feeling much better now. More positive, more energy. It probably won't last, but I'll make the most of it while I can.
I've been writing again, and revisions on Gale Harbour book 3 are coming along well. I've also started thinking long and hard about my next project, and I have several ideas for short stories I want to write in between. It's amazing the impact not being depressed has on your productivity.
I've also been painting again and I picked up Final Fantasy VII Rebirth. I've only played it for an hour so far but I'm really looking forward to getting into it - there's only so many hours in the day.
My day job is still crazy busy as it always is this time of year, and will continue to be for about two months, but once I'm past crunch time I should be able to finish my writing projects and get into Final Fantasy VII. Spring is looking up!
Random Question: I've almost reached the 500 subscribers limit on my free MailChimp account, and I really don't want to pay the $30+ per month to expand the limit. I really don't make that much money off my writing. I want to keep building my mailing list, obviously, but I don't send very emails/newsletters - just when I have a new book or pre-order to announce, really. I'm considering exporting the email addresses, and just using MailChimp to collect new addresses. Does anyone have another solution, or suggestion on what other systems they use?
Oh, and there's still the question of the month...
Have you "played" with AI to write those nasty synopses, or do you refuse to go that route? How do you feel about AI's impact on creative writing?
I have not played with AI for writing synopses, though I really want to because I hate writing them myself. I guess there's a part of me that's afraid of feeding entire manuscripts into the AI's learning algorithm. Not that it couldn't have picked up my text from somewhere else, and I'm sure it's already scanned tons of work way better than mine. Still seems weird to actively do it myself.
I'm also being hypocritical, because while I'm apprehensive about embracing AI-enhanced writing, I use it for producing art all the time (mostly for fun, and not for commercial purposes). Whether it's feeding on my written words or someone's visual art, it's still stealing/borrowing without permission from someone's work.
I know that AI is going to have an impact on writing and publishing, and fighting against it is a losing battle. It's inevitable, like the lightbulb replacing oil lamps. And algorithms learning from the work of others is not that different from humans being inspired by the writing or art of others - we all borrow elements from our favourite creators. The difference, of course, is that a computer program can process artworks a million times faster than we can, and does not have any discretion on how it uses that information.
I'm also really paranoid about that "Does your work contain any AI-produced material?" question on the Amazon publishing page. For now I'm steering clear of any AI content, because I don't know what Big Jungle will do to my books if I click "Yes."
Wow that's alot this month. Time to go check out some other blogs.
Hugs & Kisses,
-CDGK
The first Wednesday of every month is officially Insecure Writer’s Support Group day. Writers post their thoughts on their blogs, talking about their doubts and the fears they have conquered. It's a chance for writers to commiserate and offer a word of encouragement to each other. Check out the group at http://www.insecurewriterssupportgroup.com/
13 comments:
I'm a little worried about that question on Amazon too. I'm not sure though most people who try to publish "AI" written books would even check that. The honor system isn't great.
Mailerlite lets you have 1000 contacts instead of 500 according to this article (https://zapier.com/blog/free-email-marketing-software/) but I thought I heard Mailchimp was going to discontinue that but you can try looking at some of the other ones on that list.
With how warm it's been most of the winter, it's like we've already had spring since December.
Like the figure!
AI is really changing things. That is a thought - entering your manuscript for a synopsis and then it uses your work to help create other things.
I love that you are into FF7! I haven't played the remake yet (my husband has) due to as you say so few hours in a day. It's on my list but I want to finish the Mass Effect series first. Congrats on 500 subscribers! Any tips on getting that many (and keeping them)? I have 4 lol
I had that same come-to-Jesus moment with MailChimp. I switched to AWeber for $10 a month, missed the fine print about the start up fee. Sigh.
Is your mini from Terry Pratchett's Discworld? It looks amazing.
I'm glad you've risen out of your depression. I've been there, and it sucks. It's so true, it's hard to see the impact it has on writing productivity. I hope things continue to improve and you get your book 3 done.
I'm glad you're writing and painting more and feeling better. Sorry but I don't have a newsletter yet so I can't recommend an alternative to MailChimp.
That question has me paranoid, too. The answer is no (fingers crossed my authors don't use it) and it will always be no because I'm not sure what they may change down the road. May AI books won't be allowed?
You miniature is cute.
Thanks. It is Rincewind, designed by Tytan Troll miniatures, and I printed and painted it l myself.
I've played FF since the original on the NES, though I haven't finished any of them since 12. Adulting gets in the way. Remake was great though, and Rebirth is cool for what I've played so far. Though at only an hour a week it's going to take awhile
HI, CD! I'm glad that you're out of your winter funk! You sound like your creativity is back on track. Take care!
Yeah, I never thought about what happens to your content if you purposely upload it. I haven't used it yet, but that is something to consider. I loved the original FFVII, I should really try the new one!
Congrats on getting back to writing. I also can't write when I get depressed.
Happy to hear you're writing! And wow, the painting looks like so much fun :-) Thank you for sharing photos of your art <3
Post a Comment